Located on the Adriatic Sea, Bari is the capital of Apulia, Italy. With a population of more than one million, it is the second largest city in southern Italy. This port city is also known as the heart of the metropolitan area as it is the hub of various commercial points and economic centres. The city is famous as one of the gateways to the region as many people travel to other neighboring countries through waterways. it bari travel guide This will give you an overview of this lesser-known city in Europe to help you make the most of your visit.
how to reach bari
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Bari is well connected to various European cities. About 40 flights travel in and out of Bari daily. The city also has a well-maintained network of roads with excellent transportation system including trains. Taxi/cab from airport to main city will cost around Rs 2000 to Rs 2500. The city administration is working intensively to promote tourism in the old Bari city due to modernization and development.
Best time to visit Bari
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Bari can be visited all year round, but May and June are the most favorable months to visit the city. In this season the days are relatively hot and the nights are cool. The old city of Bari, which was the center of pre-Roman and Roman Bari, still manages to maintain its medieval plan and contains many historical and cultural sites.
This Bari travel guide will help you decide the best time to visit Bari. The temperature during the summer season (May to August) remains around 26 °C. In the winter season (December to February) the temperature drops below 15 degrees Celsius and the possibility of rain increases during this period. Spring season starts from March and lasts till February. The temperature in this season remains around 17 to 24 degrees Celsius. And, during autumn the weather starts changing and the temperatures start decreasing.
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Places to Visit in Bari
According to Bari travel guide Lonely Planet, a budget of Rs 8000 is enough to enjoy sightseeing, food and accommodation. Here are some places you can visit:
1. Saint Nicholas
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San Nicola Basilica is the leading landmark in our Bari tourist guide. It was constructed between 1087 and 1197. The huge basilica was built to preserve the remains of St. Nicholas. It has immense religious significance throughout Europe and that is why it is an important pilgrimage site for Catholics and Christians in the eastern part of Europe. Due to its shape (being square in shape), the Basilica appears more like a palace than a church. The main attraction of this place are the two low minarets surrounding the façade.
The ancient basilica features Romanesque sculptural art from the south of Italy, mosaic pavements, a bishop’s throne from the 11th century, mythological structures and animal figures, etc. The church also has a 16th-century Renaissance tomb made of marble. Whereas, the museum has an incredible collection of candles and some precious artefacts and paintings dating back to the 12th century.
Time: 7am to 8pm on Sundays and 7am to 6pm on Sundays
entrance fees: INR 240 approx.
2. Swabian Castle
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Another must-visit destination according to our Bari travel guide is Castello Svevo, a castle built in 1132 by King Roger II. The castle was destroyed by King William I of Sicily in 1156, reinforced by the Roman Emperor Frederick II in 1233. The castle underwent several alterations after Duke Ferdinand of Aragon acquired it. It was eventually taken over by the King of Naples and later converted into a barracks for prisoners.
The medieval castle is now being converted into a museum used for exhibitions. It can be reached through the southern gate. The northern part of the palace is surrounded by the sea while the remaining part is surrounded by a moat. The main features of the castle are the Hohenstaufen Tower and the Aragon Walls.
Time: 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
entrance fees: Around Rs 480, free for children below 18 years and physically handicapped.
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3. Nazario Soro Beach
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Lungomare Nazario Sorso is a stunning coastal promenade that stretches almost 1000 meters from the port to Parco per Canni. This seaside resort has a lot to offer, apart from the pedestrian street where you can enjoy the magnificent architecture and grand white buildings. This is the perfect place to sit back and relax while enjoying the Mediterranean sunset.
4. Metropolitan Art Gallery of Bari
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The Pinacoteca Metropolitana di Bari is also known as the painting gallery of the Metropolitan City of Bari. This is the art gallery of Bari which has a wonderful collection of paintings and artefacts. The painting gallery was named after the famous painter Corrado Giaquinto. It was established on 12 July 1928 and was initially housed in the Government Palace and later shifted to the Province Palace on the seashore in 1936.
Some of the art pieces in the collection are 15th and 16th century Venetian paintings, a section of the arts of Corrado Giaquinto, a medieval section, paintings of the Tuscan school of Macchiaioli and more.
Time: 9 AM to 7 PM and closed on Mondays.
entrance fees: INR 240 approx.
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5. Mercantile Square
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The piazza mercantile, piazza grande or piazza maggiore is an ancient city square used by medieval merchants for trade and business. In ancient times, many names were used to address this place. In April 1958, it was finally decided to call it Plaza Mercantile. This intersection has been described in the history of Bari as the main trading point, but today it is better known as a meeting point. This usually busy meeting place offers many attractions such as the 16th-century clock tower, the Palazzo Della Dogana, Palazzo Sedile and the Colonna Inflamme or Stone Lion, built by Duchess Isabella Sforza in the 16th century.
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6. Bari Cathedral
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Bari Cathedral or San Sabino Church is located in Apulia, southern part of Italy. The cathedral was built between the 12th and 13th centuries, mainly in the late 12th century. This cathedral is not as famous as St. Nicholas Cathedral located in the same city. It is named in honor of Saint Sabinus, who was Bishop of Canossa. In addition, it is home to several relics of St. Sabinus that were brought here in the 9th century. The current building of the cathedral was constructed on the ruins of an Imperial Byzantine cathedral that was destroyed by King William I in 1156.
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7. Altamura
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Altamura is located in the southern part of Italy, at a distance of 45 km from the city of Bari. According to a survey conducted in 2017, the population of Altamura city is 70,595. The city is divided into two parts: the ancient city and the new city. The new or modern city was densely populated during the Bronze Age. It is known for a certain quality of bread called Pan de Altamura. The bread is sold in many other parts of Italy. It is interesting to know that the 130000 year old calcified body of the Altamura man was found in the Grotta de Lamalunga (Limestone Caves) near the city.
The city is also home to several ancient sites such as the Romanesque Cathedral, the Cathedral of Acquaviva delle Fonti, the Church of Monte Sant’Angelo sul Gargano, etc. The construction of this cathedral city is influenced by the Gothic architecture of the time of Frederick II.
According to our Bari travel guide, this destination should definitely be included in your travel list for an unforgettable experience.
8. Alta Murgia National Park
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Alta Murgia National Park is the last, yet a very important place in our Bari travel guide. This national park is located in the southern part of Italy and was established in the year 2004. This national park is spread over an area of 677.39 square kilometers. This vast national park promises to offer mesmerizing landscapes, ancient infamous villages and rock formations. It is also a great place to enjoy the rural surroundings where one can engage in a variety of outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking. Several tour operators in the city of Bari offer guided tours in this natural area.
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These are some of the top tourist attractions listed by our Bari Puglia travel guide. The city is also known as a major site for the study of dinosaurs. About 30,000 feet of dinosaur tracks were discovered in Contrada Pontarelli, which is in the Altamura region. One cannot experience the real flavor of the city of Bari without visiting these attractions. Contact TourTravelHotels to plan a trip to Italy and enjoy your holidays like never before!
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